Toph Beifong (20) has posed: The normally peaceful beach below the Stark house out on Malibu Point is something else whenever there's a birthday going on. First and foremost Toph herself has been rather busy all weekend getting everything ready, which includes bending stone benches from the sand where people can eat and sit. Cateters have been hired, and they have been provided with a small rock gazebo to prepare the food in, ready to serve all the guests. There's even a fancy bar area with a bartender for the older guests, as some of them did request alcohol, so why not? If people get too rowdy and obnoxcious then Toph herself plans to deal with it. Beach chairs and parasols are set out as well, so people can enjoy the ocean. People /were/ warned that it's a beach party after all, so why not be able to swim? There's even some sets with a small bucket and shovel, clearly intended for younger children who wish to have fun at the beach.

As for decorations... well, it's clearly not lacking. Not only are there several rock statues of badgermoles, cats, a large one of Toph herself in full earthbending gear, a chocobo here and here, but there's also a whole tons of colourful stuff to break up the stuff that Toph has made. Tons of streamers, balloons and glitter, table cloths, table decorations have been set out, all in bright pastel colours, the balloons spelling out 'happy' 'birthday' '16' and 'Toph' in various groups. Why, there's even a large chocolate fountain set up on one of the tables, and it plays cheery music! Around the places where those colourful things have been set up there are a whole lot of hoof prints...

Either way it should be easy for the guests to find the way down to the beach, as said path is bended wider, and there's lots of blinking arrows and signs, further accented by balloons, pointing out the way down there.

Toph herself stands atop one rather large dome set out in one area of the beach, wearing something fitting for a beach party; shorts

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:"Happy birthday, Toph!" Yuna calls out as she finishes descending the stairs to the beach, hurrying over to try and give the birthday girl a quick hug - probably one-armed, since she's also holding a package in one hand. Of course, if Toph tries to dodge the hug, Yuna won't press the issue. "Sorry I haven't been around to visit more often, work is still busy ... but at least I was able to make the time to come by today!" she grins, a little sheepishly.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka was collapsed on the ground, panting and weezing. "O-okay, we're finally good, right?" Hey, he wasn't LIKE her. He couldn't just tap the ground and make stuff fly about. He had to do everything ANALOG. He slowly sat up and then grinned to her. She... was probably curious what some of the stuff he brought was for. Like, why he brought a 20 foot wide flotation... stage? thing. Or the fifty melons. Yeah, the fifty melons were probably the big one that raised questions. But he told her nothing yet.

He then smiled to her and looked around. No one here yet. So... "Hey... Toph. Wanted to give you this before the party started. It uhhhh... took a bit of time to gather. But I got it." He then pulled out a small... box? He'd shove it into her hands and... she could probably see it had earth in it? Little vials?

But before he could explain, Yuna arrived. He yelped and quickly looked away. "Huh? Err, heyyyy. How you been?" His cheeks flaming.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:Arriving not long after Yuna is A-ko herself, also arriving with a present in her hands. "Hello Toph! Happy birthday!" She says loud enough for the Earthbender to hear as she sets the package down long enough to give Toph a two-armed hug. "It's so great to see you!"

Rarity (136) has posed:Amongst the myrad of foot steps there's the light whup-whup of wheels clattering along. This is mainly due to Scootaloo using her scooter and wagon to carry a rather large present down the walkway, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom hanging on the sides to keep the wrapped object from falling off. Despite the haphazard transverse she manages to make it down the slow and careen to a stop at the gift table. "Girls, I told you not to rush ahead!" By the time Rarity manages to catch up the trio is already lifting the gift onto the table, though it takes a little magical push from Rarity to get it up.

Rarity looks over the present for a moment, then lets out a sigh of relief. "Looks like you got it here in one piece." Then turns to the trio of fillies. "Now you girls need to be on your best behav--" Rarity doesn't even get to finish before she's nearly blown over by the Cutie Mark Crusaders make a mad dash for the beach. "--I should of expected as much," she sighs, having to take a few moments to un-windseep her mane.

Eve (857) has posed: Eve shows up with Yuna, the littler blonde following after the idol singer. "Happy birthday, Toph." she says, her tone lacking enthusiasm, but she's not really insincere. She's just stoic. She doesn't try to hug Toph either. Not that she objects to hugs. She's a fan of hugs, at least in the right circumstances, but actually GIVING one to someone like Toph is ... likely to end up in problems.

Eve's dressed in a peach-colored sundress. Beachwear, though not quite swimwear. Maybe she has that on underneath. Other than that, Eve seems pretty much her normal stoic self. She peers at Sokka dubiously, and that's fairly normal too. But she's obviously curious why he's reacting so strongly to Yuna...

Lute (188) has posed: There is a sudden explosion of sound in the sky. A large number of fireworks, suddenly going off. Red and orange flashes in the blue sky, seemingly launched from a plane passing through the sky. It is a really elaborate display of beautiful lights, which spells 'Happy Birthday Toph' on it. It is, really, somewhat of a waste that the target of this over the top display is blind. But who would be so insenstive as to forget that?

The answer comes soon after, as someone parachutes out of the plane. A giant parachute opens up, with Lute's face on it. It looks like a superdeformed Chibi version of him, making a V sign. Lute is, of course, the skydiver. In his arms, he is holding some sort of large package for Toph. His clothing is... somewhat fitting for a beach party, but not entirely. A pair of black speedos, and a white labcoat.

As he falls, he shouts, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOPH!" to the gathering crowd.

...It'll be a long time until he actually /finally/ lands, though.

Alden (930) has posed: A large, periwinkle wolf appears!, carrying a small catgirl on its head... and a package with festive wrapping secured on his lap!, awkwardly stashed between those sharp looking spikes on his shoulderblades/back. He is kind enough not to try to walk into the party area in that form, no point freaking everyone out!. The Gabumon devolves, and picks the present from the ground, looking around for the gift table/plataform, and making his way to place his own there, suitably impressed by the sheer size of... everything. "Wow..." he mumbles, "Quite a party." he says outloud, while Katze nods, "Should have got a present too..." muses the Shinki. IT's then that he spots the birthday... woman?, rushing to greet her, Sokka, and other familiar faces, offering a hug to Toph, Sokka, and everyone that will accept, "Happy birthday!" he congratulates the earth/metal bender.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:In addition to the caterers, Toph's adoptive father has been pressed into service for the grilling of meat. Which means You and Dummy got pressed into service in the digging and construction of a temporary fire pit trench, lined with concrete blocks and overlaid with a grill upon which various cuts of chicken and pork are sizzling over an open flame. It smells pretty amazing. Dummy dutifully turns a huge rack of ribs at regular intervals while You swivels back and forth basting everything in barbecue.

Tony himself just hangs out nearby where he can keep an eye on the bots and another on baby Robert currently fast asleep in his climate controlled baby rocker on the sand, with a towel canopied over him to protect him from the sun. This is really Toph's day after all, and far be it from /Tony Stark/ to try to make himself the center of attention at such an event.

He is also dressed casually in white shirt, shorts and sandals, and a bottle of beer dangles from one hand as he contentedly looks over his realm.

RJ, miraculously, keeps sleeping right through the fireworks. He must be used to strange noises.

Staren has posed: The beach! Staren sets his labcoat and bag aside and has donned a pair of sunglasses. Before the party, he asked Toph for a rock platform to put something on later -- a large box like for a home appliance has been carried down to it and a tent erected around it so some sort of surprise could be prepared -- but now, he's out and about. "Hey Toph! Happy birthday!" He extends a hand and leans in in that uncertain way of someone unsure whether a handshake or a hug is appropriate here. "Sixteen huh? Congratulations!" Then he asks somewhat conspiratorially, "So uh, do you know what the melons are for? Is this some sorta custom from your homeworld?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "Yeah, we're good," Toph asides to Sokka. Not that she can't blame him for being tired, as he doesn't have bending to make stuff easier for him. Not that she knows /why/ he got all those melons... The small box that he shoves into her hands does make her blink, and she's about to ask. At least until the guests start arriving. "I'll open it later, okay?" she tells him, punching him in the shoulder as she slides down the side of the dome, grinning in greeting as she walks over to greet the older girl. "Heya! And no worries about visiting often, we're all busy kicking ass, right?" she points out, letting Yuna hug her if she wants to. It's not like she's the type who tries to hug her all the time, after all! And it /is/ her birthday, she can deal with some birthday hugs. And there's A-ko too! It's been rather long since she last met her, hasn't it? "A-ko! You came just for the cake, huh?" she teases, then oophs as she's pulled in for a hug. "It's great to not-see you!" she jests back too, punching A-ko in the shoulder.

Trust the ponies to show up too, and heh, this time it's a bit better than the last time she met the trio. "Nice of you and the girls to come, Rarity! And I bet they'll be busy with the toys I set out, I guess. I guess Pinkie did a good job decorating, huh?"

The blonde girl that follows in Yuna's wake doesn't go unnoticed, and Toph is kinda glad this is another place than the last time she met Eve face to face too. "Heya Spoopy, glad you made it too." Okay, she actually sounds like she means it.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka grinned when he saw all the kids. So first thing he did? Why, he flirted with the older gals! He quickly tried to hide his earlier embarassment by walking forward and gently taking their hands and placing a kiss upon both. "Hello. A pleasure to meet you two fine, beautiful ladies. I don't think we've had the honor of meeting yet. I'm Sokka. Toph's boy--" Pause. "Hold that thought." He walked towards the kids. "Hey, kiddos, I've got a surprise for you four." There was that mischievious gleam in his eyes. Toph probably knew what was going on here.

He'd then toss them each a small, wrapped chocolate. And it wasn't any chocolate, either. It was those fancy, like 2-3 bucks a pop candies. The kind good kids only got when they were VERY good.

Before he could say much... his eyes were drawn up and he stared. Then, as Lute arrived... "THAT WAS AWESOME! Dude, that was the fifth most incredible entrance I've ever seen!" What? He knew Toph and Iron man. He should be thankful he even made the list.

Next came Alden. "Yo, how's the best mount in the world? I might need your help for something later. If you feel you're up to it. How much can you pull, anyway?"

Then glanced to Staren, before shaking his head. "Nahhhhh. It's for one of the party games. I'd tell you what it's called, but it's a surprise."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: The moment the fireworks begin however... Toph lets out a loud yelp, winces and reaches her hands up to cover her ears in an expression that Sokka of all people should know. Because Toph is not found of loud noise like that due to her sensitive ears. "WHAT THE CRUD?!" she yells, not sure who is responsible for all this. But then a voice she hasn't heard in a while rings out, and the birthday girl's expression turns deadpan. "... should have known," she mutters, then she turns her head skywards as she yells out. "NEXT TIME DON'T SKIMP ON THE BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS, DUNDERHEAD!" Oh yes Lute, you're going to hear it. Let's hope he's not giving her more dead cats this time. He's also goddamn lucky he didn't wake her baby brother, or else she would have had to punch him when he eventually lands. Is he flying or something?

The arrival of the digimon earns less of a sarcastic response, and she blinks when she's hugged, but repays it. "Heya Alden, nice of you to make it! Heya Katze! No need to worry about presents, I'm just happy people can make it. And we Starks are known to give out stuff on our birthdays anyway. You joining the contest I got planned?"

For today Staren will get pulled into a hug, and Toph punches the boy in the arm. "Heya cat boy! And no, I have no cruddin' clue what Sokka is planning, but eh, he usually doesn't do too stupid stuff, right?" Right. It doesn't look like she's upset with Sokka saying hi to the older girls and calling them beautiful at least.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:A-ko pretends to ooph and giggles at the jokes. "There's more to it than just that, you know!" She playfully responds to Toph punching her by tickling her lightly, since she doesn't want to risk hurting Toph with a playful jab that could have serious consequences thanks to her superhuman strength. After that, she looks up and waves to Tony Stark as he enters, before she picks up her package and looks for a place to put it.

Rarity (136) has posed:"I am certain they will. We do not get to visit a seaside beach very often, even with the Multiverse outside the proverbial doorstep." Rarity glances up at the mention of the decorations. "She most certainly did. But that is hardly a surprise, considering it is Pinkie Pie."

Said pink pony sneaks past behind them while Rarity is looking around, tiptoeing (tiphoofing?) towards the table with the giant chocolate fountain. "I wonder where else she could of gotten off to, though." Pinkie stops and leans forward slowly... Sticks out her tongue towards the fountain... "Hopefully not getting into the chocolate before the guests get a chance to sample it."

And then Pinkie just as slowly backs away from the table, tongue still hanging out, before she's noticed.

Alden (930) has posed: Alden allows Toph to greet everyone else, no poitn swamping her!, instead, he focuses on Sokka, "Doing ok, glad to see you recovered from those stings." he says with a grin. Katze pipes up, "Alden got beaten up in a fight at a grill!, I have a video!". Cue groaning, "IT was just for show, and I'd like you to take a punch like that." he protests. He blinks at the question, "To be honest?, not sure! I know I am fairly strong, I'd love to help any way I can really." he says, before leaning closer to whisper to Sokka, "What's the contest about? any hints?" he says, trying to be discrete.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:Yuna blushes a little, but it might be lost in the bright, sunny smile she responds with. "It's good to meet you, Sokka!" she says - partly out of long practice as an idol singer who has to greet her fans, but also because she really *does* like meeting new people, no matter who they are or where they're from.

The sound of the fireworks makes Yuna look up at Lute's display - right before Toph yells at what's probably the top of her lungs. Impressive lungs, too. "The fireworks just say 'Happy Birthday,' and Lute's coming down the slow way. He's got a parachute." She pauses, double-checking where Lute and his parachute are, relative to the fireworks. Hopefully he wasn't so dumb as to set off fireworks where he'd wind up gliding through hot debris from same ... "For now, anyway," she adds.

For now, she adds her present for Toph to the table where gifts are going, and turns her attention back to socializing. She already greeted Eve on their way in together, but there are others!

"Hey A-ko, good to see you again! And hello again ... Alden, right?" She gives the Digimon a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of her head. "Sorry - when you Digivolve, it kind of changes your face, so I can't depend on that like I would usually ..." And there's a fashionista. "Rarity! I didn't know you'd be coming to Toph's party - how's business back home?" Yuna pauses briefly, "Doesn't the sand kind of get in your hooves? I mean, I guess it wouldn't be much worse than 'between your toes' for us humans ..."

She'll be making her way over to the grill shortly, and will say hi to Tony when she's over there.

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian arrives a little after the fireworks. But they were a good guide towards where the area was where this was being held. That and Toph's yelling at the likely scare. Which despite himself, he can't help but smirk a little at. The mage has a gift with him, of course. It's a small box, and what's in it isn't very imaginative. But at least it isn't as dangerous as his gift to Toph this past Christmas was!

The mage himself is dressed in a pair of white swim shorts and green flipflops. Pretty plain overall, but one would expect him wear white; that's kind of his thing. But even with there being a beach involved, he's got his hair and mustache carefully groomed. He's also a little late. But he'll call it 'fashionably late' and dismiss it if approached about it.

He heads over to where Toph is, and places his present with where he assumes others have placed theirs. "Happy birthday!" he offers jovially as he gets within speaking distance of the earthbender.

Lute (188) has posed: Lute hears the greetings as he approaches the beach. Sure, Toph is annoyed, but he knows her. She simply doesn't know how to express her feelings in general, let alone her almost certain affection for him. And that... really dorky dude who totally sucks at flirting with women? Yeah. Not surprised some young NEET he doesn't even know would be impressed by him and how /awesome/ he is.

Unfortunately, the moment he lands on the beach? His parachute catches in the wind a bit. The wind forces him back, Lute stumbling to try and keep his footing and avoid being pulled into the water. He trips a little, falling face first into the sand, the package in his hand accidentally flying forward towards where Toph is.

He lays flat on his face for a moment first, before disconnecting the parachute and standing up and dusting himself off.

Staren pats Toph on the back during the hug, and oofs at the punch. "Well, I guess we'll see! Looks like this party is gonna be action-packed, huh?"

Also, there's a Lute. Staren stares. He's... /aware/ that the trainer has joined the League, but hasn't had a chance to talk to him yet. "Hi, Lute." he says somewhat neutrally, not really knowing where they stand now.

Eve (857) has posed: Okay, people here are weird. Eve looks between Sokka and Yuna. Why are they BOTH blushing? Eve may read a lot, but she's not exactly adept at subtle social situations. But something's going on here that people aren't explaining. Which only encourages her to make note of it and find out. Later.

Now, she's kind of stuck watching the fireworks in wide-eyed delight. Oh, and Lute's up there. Well, Eve doesn't have anything either for or against Lute since she's officially beneath his notice. But the fireworks are definitely neat.

Eve resists the temptation to go to the grill. The contest will come, and she wants to be sure to be in ideal shape for it. But ... well, what would it hurt to check out the chocolate fountain? She pads over to it, looking around to see if anyone objects. Then grabbing some of the dipping food and taking chocolate anyways. It's CHOCOLATE!

Rhapsody (325) has posed: It's a damn shame the girl of the hour isn't fond of fireworks. It tends to be an Izzet League specialty! Still, not one to upset the birthday of the one being celebrated, the glorious Izzet firework will simply need to be used on a different occasion. As a result of not making a dynamic entrance, Rhapsody and her siblings reach the bottom of the stairs, Ryxinel carrying a small package that gets placed with all the rest.

"Heeey! Toph! Happy Birthday!" the dragon calls, making her way for the Earthbender to greet her properly. "I think you put in too much work for your own shindig, here, but it looks great! Maybe for 18 you can leave it to 'dad' eh? She muses, smirking, despite the fact it probably won't be seen. The guildmaster will get to greeting everyone else in juuust a moment. And yes, Sidonia is fully visible and not skulking around the perimiter. Clearly a birthday miracle.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony returns A-ko's wave with a salute of his beer bottle and greets Yuna amicably when she wanders over to inhale the delicious smells oozing from his section of the beach. The last several weeks have been a crazy life changing odyssey for him but it seems to have been good for him; he looks relaxed and cheerful and lacking the burden of factional politics.

He does glance upward though, as Lute's parachute sails off in the wind and catches up against the cliffside. Now that's a fire hazard if it should come drifting near. "Jarvis," he murmurs, and moments later a pair of lightweight armored figures come flying up over the precipice and swoop in to gather up the billowing cloth.

Jinx (39) has posed: For a girl like Jinx, one might exect a louder entrance. Like, you know, actual explosions and not just fireworks and things like that. But there are a lot of people here, a lot of people Jinx only knows from being on the Other Side of the War. More people who are with those Paladin cops like Toph. But she was asked nicely to come, and she was trying the Not Being A Jerk thing more. And so the young lady is here, carrying what appears to be a grocery bag with a box inside, looking to all the people present and trying to find a friendly face, somewhere.

Inga has posed: Sand is extremely difficult to walk on, all shifty under one's feet. It's a small price to pay for the beauty of the beach however. Inga is pleased to see the ocean, and may even go for a swim. This time, she's actually dressed for the occasion, wearing a pink, ankle-length sundress in a soft, flowing material with skinny straps. There's a lace-weight knitted shawl around her shoulders in case it was a little chilly. In one hand, her walking stick, in the other a fabric-wrapped present for the birthday girl. That will be her first order of business. Spotting Toph, Inga heads in her direction. "Toph! Happy birthday! Thank you for inviting me," she says, handing over the present. "I hope you like you gift," she adds. Inside, theres fresh made donuts and a leather braided bracelet that also looks to be hand-made. Funky, not too feminine, very cool, tough. Like Toph.

There are others around that she knows, and she flashes a smile to any looking in her direction.

Inga looks toward the water as well, hoping the waves will not be too big. She'd surely like a swim.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:"Yeah good to see you too, Yuna!" A-ko says with a smile, stopping briefly to remove her shoes so she can walk comfortably through the sand. "It's always nice to see a familiar face here," She adds as she walks alongside Yuna for the time being. "These things fill up fast, so it's always nice to find someone to stick with for a little while."

Kotone Yamakawa has posed:It was time for a party for Toph she was Sixteen and that always seemed to be a magtical brithday. It was a big to do and she didn't want to thin of howmuch cash went into this. Likely more than she sees in several moths. Even back when she was making more money with the Flotilla. She had a grin on hef face s she came in to enjoy the party and wish Toph the best. Your only Sixteen once after all right? She arrives a bit later than some of the others, and she does see a few old faces from even the Confederates. Then agin the war's over and she's honestly glad the horror of that conflict is no longer. She was in good spirits and now would be trying to seek out the brithday girl herself!

Rarity (136) has posed:The Crusaders now have fancy candy to suck on while playing on the fancy beach. Best party ever!

And with them being well entertained Rarity can do what she would prefer to be doing -- socializing with the others. "Yuna, dahling, so good to see you again! ... And why would I not be? Toph is still a friend, even if we have a difference in ... certain tastes."

She pauses to glance over her shoulder towards the beach. "Besides, she's rather fond of the trio. Even took them to meet her 'other' family -- the badgermoles -- one time." Then turns her attention back to Yuna again. "Oh, it is no bother. I just got my weekly pony-pedi so my hooves are as smooth as can be."

Alden (930) has posed: Alden smiles to Yuna, "That's me!" he says, his doglike tail wagging rapidly, "Nice to see you as well." he says, offering the girl a hug, but otherwise, seeming intimidated somewhat by the group, watching from the sideline since he is trying to remember all the faces!. He offers polite smiles around, including proper greetings to new arrivals, before the chocolate gets his attention!. Meanwhile Katze decides to stick around, jumping down from Alden's head, the Shinki glancing curiously at Rarity for a moment, then at the others gathered nearby, not knowing many people. She remains there a few moments, before approaching Sokka, and casually climbing on his shoulder for a better view, figuring that the human might be amiable to that.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: For those who have brought presents there is a large table, and Pinkie seems to have set out balloons and signs around there too; 'Presents!'

"Eh, I'm sure she's here somewhere. For some reason even /I/ have problems tracking her," Toph sighs. She can pick up ants walking, but Pinkie? She's lighter than an airbender. A-ko earns another playful punch, and Toph grins as people seem to be gathering.

Dorian earns a big grin from Toph, and she waves to the mage as she points over to the bar. "Bar's over there if you want a drink, Lover Boy!" she points out. "Want to join for the contest? Or do you want to slack off in the shade or in the adult corner with Goldie?"

The package from Lute hits Toph in the back of the head, and the blind teenager acks before she turns around, kicking the ground to raise the package. Heck, Lute better be happy she can hear that he's not being sincere about meaning to fall face first and drop the package. And well, he's not malicious today at least. So she sighs, rubs the back of her head, then hands the package over to one of the caterers, who merely blinks and accepts it. "Eh, thanks... next time you might wanna make your entrance a bit more practical. And really, no need for fireworks..." Really. Don't. "Grab yourself a drink."

It's a good thing the dragon from Ravnica decided to not use fireworks, as Toph grins towards Rhapsody. "Heey! Of course I had to put work into it, it's not like I'm going to ask dad and mom to decorate /my/ parties, right? They have their hands full with diaper duties!"

When another guest arrives though Toph turns her head, her expression a bit serious... all before she /waves/ at Jinx. "HEY! JINX!" Get your butt over here. "I got a bar like you wanted, so now you can grab some drinks and mess with the fun police!" Inga too earns a wave, and Toph smiles a bit, "As long as I don't hate them people are always welcome to parties like this. And huh, you got me snacks...?" she asks curiously, sniffing at the present. It... smells like leather too?

Kotone might be arriving late, but she too earns a wave from the girl. "Heya, you're just in time, Kotone!" she calls out. "Hurry up!" Because it's time to get started.

"Okay, so who wants to join the contest? I've got some prizes for everybody, with a grand prize for the team who wins! It's a physical contest, just be warned. Which is why there will be teams for it all to give everybody a chance. Jarvis will make them as even as possible." Because he has his uses besides nagging at her to read and tattle on her to Tony.

Speaking of which... "DAD! You wanna join the contest? I can watch RJ!" Not even he should know what she's gotten planned.... which she makes evident as she kicks into the sand... and the dome falls together, revealing a small arena with walls and a beach volley ball net.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka gives Alden a wink. "Can't tell you that. You'll need to wait. I namely just need to know if you can pull a chariot. Was gonna use the chocobos, but you might do better." And then, before he can respond, he's off! What? He has to make sure everything is right for the party. He moved to Staren's side. "Hey... you manage to get it done?" he asked, giving the guy a nervous smile. "I think Tony got his stuff dad." Then called out. "You got it done, right old man?" he joked.

And then his eyes fell on Jinx. And he grinned. "Be right back. Or not!" Then ran off and SCOOPED poor Jinx up into the greatest spinning hug OF ALL TIME! For a guy without powers. He gave her a very tight hug before winking to her. "Heh, happy you managed to make it. I know it'll mean a lot to Toph that you're here. Also, here!" And then popped one of those fancy chocolates into her hand. "Come on!" And then, holding her hand, dragged her into the party and to Toph.

Well, she wanted a friendly face, she's going to GET ONE. "Hey guys, look who showed up!" Poor, poor, poor Jinx. The target of Sokka's 'let's get you socializing and making friends!' energy.

He then blinked. Wait, she wanted him to enter a physical competition. Well, her birthday. If she wanted to see her boyfriend get his butt kicked... fine. "I guess I'll join." His... heart wasn't really in it. He knew tooooo many people here with mega powers.

Jinx (39) has posed: "AH GODS WHAT?" Jinx can barely think before Toph and Sokka both call for her atention in different ways. The hugging and the screaming kickstart her loudness engine anyways. "YES HELLO I'M JINX STANDS FOR JINX FFFFAAAHHHHH HELLO YES YES HELLO"

Inga has posed: Inga winks. "Snacks are always good, are they not?" she says. As long as Toph doesn't confuse which gift is to be eaten and which is to be worn, they'll be all set.

At mention of the contest, Inga raises a brow curiously.

Oh. A physical contest. Inga looks, briefly, disappointed. Soon enough her expression is passive-pleasant. "I will happily watch this contest. I haven't a clue what beach volleyball even is," she comments with a shrug. Better get a drink, find someone to hang around with so she doesn't feel like a complete wallflower.

Inga spots Dorian, ready to swimming too. Well, that's good. Maybe she will have a companion there. She wanders over toward her fellow mage, raising a hand in greeting. "Good to see you Dorian, planning on a swim? Or will you be taking part in the ah...contest?" she asks.

Lute (188) has posed: Lute dusts himself off a bit more, smirking a little as he looks towards Toph and the others. He gives a bit of a wave towards the others he knows here, such as Staren and Yuna. But, really, there are so many people that he can't keep track of them all easily. Such is a party. He'll focus on the most important person here first. He turns to the birthday girl, smiling at Toph.

He shrugs a bit, "Ehh, the fireworks weren't a big deal. I still have some spare cash around from some of my more... criminalistic days." Hard to tell if those days are entirely over, though. Lute is a bit of a wild card. He stretches a bit, his labcoat fluttering a bit on the beach's breeze.

He considers the offer of the drink for a moment, nodding a little. "Mm. I'll grab a drink. But... Mm. Before I do that, well. The box isn't the /only/ present I have for you." He slides his hand into his pocket, as if about to reach for something, while approaching Toph. As he gets near, suddenly, he reaches out for her. A hand at her waist, the other at her back. And his lips go in, trying to dip-kiss her.

It was nice knowing him.

If, somehow, he survives that without grevious injuries, or at least leaving Toph temporary stunned long enough for him to talk? He pulls a camera out from his labcoat.

"I'll photograph the volleyball so we can all have memories of this."

Alden (930) has posed: The Gabumon is stunned at the offer to pull a chariot, but if his tail is a sign, he did not disagree to the idea, even if his friend runs away before he can answer!. He is stopped from trying to mix chocolate with other stuff by the reveal of the main contest, blinking, "What is volleyball?" he asks outloud, tilting his head, and returning to the group. Mr Stark gets a rather enthusiastic wave, but he resists the urge of talking too loud, instead just smiling to him. When Inga mentions confusion, he relaxes, glad to not be the only person around unfamiliar with that... thing.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:"Hey, Mr. Stark!" is Yuna's greeting to Tony - cheerful enough, but restrained in volume so she won't wake up RJ. "Congratulations again on your son's birth; may he grow up healthy, blessed with your intellect and Pepper's patience. I'm sure he'll never lack for love in your family."

She'll take a hot dog for now, with ketchup and relish and a sprinkle of cheese if that's available. Then it's time to go greet some of the other attendees. She doesn't really know Dorian yet, but she knows Lute and Staren and Rhapsody; the dragon actually gets a quick hug from Yuna as well - albeit one-armed again, since food. Even Jinx gets a wave, "Hello Jinx! Haven't seen you in a while; you look like you've been doing well!"

It's a good thing Yuna doesn't usually hold grudges, isn't it? And then Toph announces the contest. "Oooh, I'll take part! I haven't played volleyball in a while ..."

She polishes off her hot dog, and ducks into a changing booth or something to peel out of her sundress, emerging in a simple dark blue one-piece swimsuit. (Anyone who's followed Yuna's occasional modeling work - part of being an idol, really - might recognize it as something she wore for a recent shoot.)

Eve (857) has posed: Having sampled the chocolate fountain, Eve continues to study the rest of the crowd, not being particularly gregarious... unlike some. She sneaks a bite of the chocolate Sokka gave her. Okay, she doesn't sample it. She makes it vanish like a magician with a coin.

"Hello Jinx ffffaaahhh hello yes yes hello." Eve says, in a quiet voice that probably doesn't carry anywhere. No, she's not mocking Jinx. She honestly figured that must have been some weird full name. She then shrugs, turning to head towards the volleyball stadium. She had expected something else, some more ... solo sort of athletic contest. But she's not going to let a little something like a team sport get in the way of showing off. She HAD challenged Sokka, more or less. So long as she ends up on the opposite side from him in the competition, she doesn't mind too much. And if they end up on the same side? Well, she didn't have any say in the matter right?

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony now finds himself in the awkward position of trying to excuse himself from playing volleyball - far from his best sport - whilst also protesting Sokka's label of "old man" as applied to him. If he declines the invitation to play he's going to look like an old man for sure now.

"Get out," he retorts cheerfully to Sokka with a brilliant smile that somehow makes it sound like a compliment.

Oh, what the hell, it's Toph's birthday, he can humor her. "Well I wouldn't want to make anyone feel outclassed," he replies casually, as if beach volleyball is something he does every day. "And it wouldn't exactly be fair for me to win any of the prizes. If you really WANT to watch RJ though, I think he just pooped himself, so have at it."

And oh hey, there's Jinx! He's given most of the people he knows friendly nods -- she gets a more curt one, just because he barely knows her -- as Souji's bodyguard and a League member he hasn't really met.

Toph explains the contest! "Of course! Who doesn't love games, right? Although, can you see the ball okay?"

Sokka's question gets a brief nod and a smile, with a knowing glance towards the tent The Present is set up inside.

"You two know eachother?" he looks between Sokka and Jinx, surprised. Also wow is her demeanor totally different when she's not bodyguarding or what

Kotone Yamakawa has posed:Kotone Yamakawa grins at Toph for a moment. "Don't worry I'm not lagging behind any longer also happy birthday Toph!"

Toph's also more or less grown up hoppin the multiverse too it's been a wild life for Toph she suspects but? She seems happy as the talks about teh contest and she grins for a moment.

"I'm up for Beace Volleyball1" Kotone is very pumped for this it should be fgun a heck of a lot of good fun, and she might get to do something stupid with the ball, she just hopes they are made to stand up to Elites.

She also spots Staren and gives him a wave too. She seems to be in /very/ good spirits!

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian blinks as Lute just sort of... faceplants on the beach. "Ah, but if the ladies think you're injured they may come to your aid," he points out. That's the point of showing off, right? Well, it is for most people.

Toph pointing him at the bar gets a smirk, which only widens at the use of that nickname. Nope, he's never going to live that down. He will, however, head for the bar for a drink. Because he's a social drinker. No getting drunk right now.

He does, however, notice Sokka being... well, sort of enthusiastic at joining. Not really. And it probably doesn't take him much to discern the cause. Dorian's got issues with that too, believe it or not. Even with his magic, underneath it Dorian is still just a human. A one from a very well-bred lineage, but still a human. It can be intimidating.

So Dorian foregoes the drink for the time being and heads over to where Sokka is, and Toph's just revealed the extreme volleyball arena. "I'm game," he comments. "I'm in reasonably good shape." Which he is, and is pretty clear since he's not wearing a shirt. He's not RAAAR huge and muscley, but he's fit.

And then Jinx is yelling, and his eyes go a bit wide. "It's all right, no one's going to smack you for not speaking up in class," he offers with an amused note to his voice. Yuna gets a polite nod and a smile; no, he doesn't know her personally, but she's Toph's friend he assumes, so he'll consider her a friend by proxy!

Inga's words draw his attention and he walks in her direction. "Ah, Inga. You're looking quite beautiful today," he compliments honestly. The question of swimming gets a shake of his head. "No, I'm afraid not. Never had much love for the sport." Which is Dorian-speak for 'I can't swim'.

And there goes Lute. Dorian facepalms a little. He isn't worried for Toph, he knows she's capable of taking care of herself. Still. Sigh.

Rarity (136) has posed:"Volleyball?" Rarity has no idea what Toph is talking about now. "I presume that is some kind of human compatition?"

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka froze in place. He saw the wrist grab, the hand on her back, the--

Poor, Poor Jinx would discover that when Sokka WANTED to move fast, he COULD move fast. He was there in a flash, still holding and dragging poor Jinx around behind him. And right before the lips could lock, his arm shot out, swung down the guy's head and just clothes lined him across the chest.

It took him a second to realize what he just did. He stared for a few minutes, then glanced to Toph. "Errr... so. Um. Is that something you two normally do, or was that justified?" Poor, poor jinx, completely forgotten and still held onto the death grip that was jealous Sokka.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: Starting to wander from one spot to another, checking out the decorations and the ocean, it's only a matter of time before Yuna finds and gives the Rhaps a hug which she is happy enough to return in kind, "Nice to see you, Yuna,". Spotting the hotdog, the dragon realizes there is FOOD here and turns for the grill spotting a man she has a massive amount of respect for and rarely gets to see. That and she had something for the Stark family, anyway.

"Tony!" the dragon calls, reaching into her coat as she wanders over, likely to grab some food, but to deliver something else. "I had planned to give this to Pepper but, something came up the other day on the radio and I felt a little bit obliged to make up for it." What's offered is a small stack of papers, about five of them, each with a jagged symbol on it. "Pepper was worried about your son's name getting out, so, these are wards. Just put them on the bottom of any crib he's in and if any magic is cast within about 50 yards or so, it'll activate. To turn it off all you have to do is have you or her poke at it." Small smile, "I hope everything's been going well for you. There may be another Presentation day soon, it'd be nice to see you there if you have the time."

Inga has posed: Inga blushes slightly. "Well, thank you," she replies. She feels a bit out of place. Over-dressed. Better over dressed than under, she supposes, adjusting her shawl a little. "Aah, pitty. I shall have to go in alone then," she smiles. "I'll cheer you on for the ah, volleyball though," she says, eyeing the net. Huh.

So, booze time. She takes a seat and orders whatever fruity conconctions are served on the beach. It's probably in a coconut.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:Yuna nods to Rarity, "Yeah, it's a human sport. You have a few people on each team, there's a net in between their halves of the field, and you hit the ball back and forth between the sides - usually with your hands or arms. You keep the ball going back and forth, trying to make it hit the ground on the other team's side of the net."

Jinx (39) has posed: But Sokka isn't going to be the only one aiming for Lute. She barely has to see what's going on, when she gets to her feet, letting out a cry. "Oh HELL NO." And as she's dragged, there's a sudden flash of ribbons and light and hearts and stuff... and there's a very fancy looking Jinx charging right along side the Water Triber. "STAR GUARDIAN JINX SAYS DON'T MESS WITH LOVE, JERKBAG!" He may be going for a clothesline, but Jinx is aiming to take him out at the knees.

Rarity (136) has posed:Rarity laughs a little at Yuna's explaination. "Well, I do believe that counts me out of the possible compatition." Because, you know, no hands. And magic would be considered cheating. "I shall have to contend with watching and cheering for the other participants."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Robert James Stark is probably the most well-protected kid in the Multiverse already, but Tony has never felt entirely comfortable about his magic-blocking capabilities. He DID manage to teleport-proof his homes, but there are so many different KINDS of magic it's hard to keep up.

Even so, the conflict is visible for a moment on his face before his cheek gives a little twitch and he takes the papers from Rhapsody. "Thanks," he says, and he means it. "I'm sure we'll both sleep a little better now." A thoughtful pause. "...hey you couldn't make these with a 'go-to-sleep' spell on them too, could you?" He really does miss not being awakened every few hours, but that query was of course facetious. He passes the wards to Toph to take inside along with RJ as she walks past, and takes a moment to stick out his tongue at her too.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "Snacks are awesome, really," Toph asides, amused as Sokka goes on over to greet Jinx. He was kinda right, wasn't he? About Jinx being lonely and needing friends... so this might be good for her. Because she /did/ promise to not shoot up the party.

Lute's comment about the fireworks does make Toph roll her eyes a bit. "You /do/ know that for me fireworks are only noise, right?" she reminds him, pointing to her eyes. Though she does look curious as he states he has another gift for her and reaches into his pocket? "Hmm?"

Perhaps it's the fact that her sense is somewhat dulled in the sand here on the beach. Maybe it's because he's so close, or perhaps that she didn't expect it... but it's not often that Toph is taken by surprise. This is one of the times. When Lute reaches for her, Toph blinks before her eyes go wide and she finds herself dipped. And kissed by somebody /besides/ her boyfriend. Which might be why she looks absolutely flabbergasted, her face turning completely red as she is trying to understand /why/ this is happening.

Sokka reacts before she does somehow, and it's only after that that Toph herself raises her foot... and the sand underneath Lute erupts upwards, and Toph reaches a hand up to wipe at her lips. "Don't do /that/, dunderhead!" she calls, turning towards where Lute might end up. It's not hard enough to send him way out to sea, though she /does/ look a bit annoyed. Here she thought the entire multiverse knew by now that she was dating, at least from how other people described her crush on Sokka.

Nevermind that, let's get started on the contest rules! Even if she's still blushing a bit. "OKAY! So there will be teams, and each team will play together! No powers, no attacking the other team. Prizes for all, though the winner team gets the grand prize! Jarvis, list of the teams please?" she calls out.

"The teams are as follows," Jarvis intones from a nearby speaker, "Team Cuddly Cobras: Miss Rhapsody and Mister Sokka. Team Gangly Giraffes: Miss Eve and Mister Pavus. Team Hyper Hawks: Miss Kagurazaka and Miss A-ko. Team Snuggly Sheep: Mister Alden and Mister Stark. Team Scary Squirrels: Miss Yamakawa and Mister Staren. First match will be Team Cuddly Cobras versus Team Gangly Giraffes. Enter the arena."

With that Toph heads on over to pick up RJ from his crib, muttering a bit as she walks past Tony. "At least you can't complain at me for dating somebody like Lute," she asides to him. "Okay Mister Stinkerino, let's get you changed inside!"

Inside the arena the beach volley ball is waiting for the first two teams.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: Tony gets a little smirk at the suggestion, "Ah, but then you wouldn't get to experience the glories of paarenthood, now would you?" A hotdog is stolen and Rhapsody spin-dances away with a wave, "You should really show up at the next presentation!" she insists before the teams start to get called out for the volleyball tournament. She's going to have to get through her snack in a hurry and just grab some more later.

To date, the most Rhapsody knew of Sokka was through the radio, and that he sometimes seemed to come across as a little ... silly? Welp, looks like she's going to find out just what he's like, then! The hotdog she thieved from Stark is 3/4ths gone by the time she spots the guy who just decked Lute. Seeing as all she remembers of the trainer was that he was in the Confederacy, Sokka has now gained a point or two, even if Lute was in the League now. "Sokka, over here!"

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Aha! Dorian can still make a pretty lady blush! "Are you sure?" he asks. "That's a beautiful dress. It'd be a shame to ruin it with saltwater." He'd been near the bar anyway, so he can still talk to Inga for a moment or two more before the contest begins. Or flirt with her, as the case may be. Hey, Harry's got nothing to worry about. Dorian just likes flirting.

Suddenly though, there's a kerfluffle on the beach, as Dorian assumed there would be. Toph strikes him as the kind who would... well, strike out at Lute. And Sokka as well. but he wasn't expecting 'Magical Miracle Love-Love Guardian Jinx' to do it too! He can't help but wince a bit. Three-on-one is a little unfair, but well... there's also the concept of 'asking for it', isn't there? And when he seems to go flying? Well. 'Asking for it' definitely applies.

Then Jarvis is calling out teams, and Dorian looks to Inga again. "Do please excuse me. I should be back momentarily. Hopefully in one piece." He winks. Yes, he's kidding. He's a pretty athletic sort, despite being a mage. A battlemage, if you will. He heads over to where Eve is, and offers a smile. "I'm not sure either one of us are 'gangly giraffes', but, shall we?"

Staren has posed: Staren wasn't watching Lute, but he can figure out what happened pretty quick as Sokka and Jinx rush off. "Seriously, dude?!" Like Lute isn't used to being chastised by now.

If Lute ever visits Equestria though, Staren's positioning himself between him and Twilight at all times =_=

Staren looks at Kotone. "'Squirrels? More like cyborgs... but we're not scary... ah, I guess we are..."

Lute (188) has posed: Lute has been in situations like this before. It's, quite simply, one of those things that he never learns not to do. No matter how many times he kisses a girl randomly and then gets immediately punished for it, it is something he will still keep doing.

And so, he is taken by surprise by the follow up attack. It's made worse by not being who he would have thought who would attack him. He had assumed if anyone, it'd be Tony first, for taking his daughter's innocence. But, he is clotheslined. And then Jinx hits him at the knees, at the same time. The wind is taken out of him, and he falls hard into the sand. He takes in a sharp breath, quickly speaking.

"...Jinx, if you were jealous of me kissing Toph you don't need to do it violently, you can have the next kiss."

Immediately after, he is flying through the air, bursting into the sky as Toph sends the sand up. He flies a bit away, near the water. He's so out of it at the moment, that he can't even control his fall properly. As such, he lands in the water, bellyflopping. He floats there for a moment, floating almost like a corpse, face down. A few airbubbles pop out from the water. And then finally, he takes a gasp for air before swimming back to the beach.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka grinned and then patted Jinx on the back. "Yo. Go hang out with Toph, help her with the baby, okay?" Then... as Toph left, he gave her a spin and kiss. "To wash away the taste," he whispered. Then he turned and walked away, into the arena. He gave his colleage a grin. "Come on, let's kick some butt! I'll try not to hold you back or anything, okay?" he said with a wink. "And I don't think we've really met so..." Took her hand, gentle kiss. "It's an honor to fight on this battlefield with such a lovely lady."

Then glanced to his opponents and smile to Eve. "Hey, Sparky. I'm expecting big things from you. If you don't kick my butt in this, i'll be severly disappointed," he said with a grin. Hey, he knew he was going to lose, so why fret about it? Then he glanced back. "Wait. Jarvis, am I the cuddly, or the cobra?" he yelled out.

Eve (857) has posed: Good news, Eve is in immediate direct competition with Sokka in the tournament. Bad news... well, it's beach volleyball and she's tiny. And her partner isn't Yuna, which would've been wonderful. Instead it's Dorian Pavus, who is... not inspiring. She fixes him with a look that screams 'don't hold me back mageboi', then goes off for modesty's sake to change into her swimsuit.

When she returns, well, no one can fault Eve for her beachwear. She wears a nice two-piece that's still somehow got a little skirt to it. Just a frilly thing that's far more for style than modesty. And yes she's quite obviously still just a kid, and quite obviously no gangly giraffe. She doesn't smile back to Dorian. Nothing personal, she's just stoic. But she also seems relatively athletic even if she's a bit on the scrawny side. She fixes Sokka with a look. "Kicking your butt isn't in the rules of the game." she opines. "A shame. I'll have to settle for beating you so badly you'd only prefer to have been kicked." she expresses in a near deadpan.

Jinx (39) has posed: Ahhhhhhhhhhhh shit. Jinx blinks a bit as she's patted, watching Lute go flying. She really hadn't thought much in that entire charge. She blinks a few times, and looks down at her rather... Meguca outfit. Hands brush a bit selfconciously at the top, before she gives a proper Magical Girl V-pose, almost reflexively. "Dammit now I'm gonna have to like... get this undone again." She huffs and then starts to wander in the direction of the bar, nodding vaguely at Sokka.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:As soon as A-ko haers her name announced, she does a double-take, until she realizes she's been paired with Yuna. "Well, maybe this won't be so bad after all!" She looks towards Yuna. "Are you up for a game I hope? Because I play a mean game of volleyball, I'll have you know!"

Inga has posed: Inga waves a hand dismissively. She knows Dorian flirtations are entirely harmless. She knows she's not actually his type, but its nice to be complimented regardless. "I've worm something beneath it to swim in," she explains.

The kerfuffle (that's a great word) gets her attention. She shakes her head. Toph can take care of it, and has plenty of others to intervene. She's been in that position. Bloody Merlin.

She smiles back to Dorian. "Good luck," she says, and goes back to sipping the delicious alcoholic beverage in her hand, ready to watch the volleyball tournament until she's drunk enough to not care about taking off her dress so she can swim.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: It's a bit surprising when Jinx actually helps out, though Toph's not about to complain about that. Instead she huffs a bit at Lute's comment. Dunderhead.

There's no violent reaction to when Sokka leans in to give her a kiss however, even if she does blush just a bit and nod in response to his whisper. "You go have fun with the volley ball, okay? Rhapsody is good people, you all got a winning chance with this." And she did hear what Sokka said to Jinx. "Jinx? Wanna come and learn how to change shitty diapers?" You have been dared! For now Toph heads inside with RJ, taking the wards with her as well to put them in the nursery for Tony to find later.

Jarvis explains the rules a bit further to the two teams: "First team to get three points wins. Team Gangly Giraffe, you get to start. Miss Eve, the serve is yours."

Jarvis replies, dryly, from the same speaker, "The team names were preselected by Miss Beifong, sir. I assure you, they were assigned randomly."

"Uh-huh." Tony isn't buying that. "Okay Alden," he looks around for his teammate, "let's show 'em what we can..." he hesitates, considering the Gabumon with a skeptical squint. "--Do you know how to play volleyball?"

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Well that wasn't exactly a look of camaraderie. Unfortunately, since he can't read Eve's mind -- and he's always going to think the worst of any situation -- all he can interpret the look as is 'Ew, I didn't want YOU as a teammate'. The assumptions are flying in his head right now, but he's polite enough to keep them to himself. His smirk, however, is a grim one. Ah well. Makes it all the more interesting if even his teammate can't stand him.

As it is, though, he gets to where he's supposed to be, waiting for Eve to return in her swimsuit. He offers her a polite nod as she returns. And then offers, "I'm sure Toph will let you switch with someone if you'd prefer."

Alden (930) has posed: Alden was still listening about the sport... seemed interesting enough, he just hopes he won't be a disaster in the field!. He looks at the other teams, and then back at Mr. Star, "So we are playing together I guess." he says with a grin, before hearing the polite question, "I will admit I haven't... but I promise to do my best!" he says cheerfully... he certainly has energy at least.

Rarity (136) has posed:Rarity is just going to watch, so she helps herself to some of the non-meat items to munch on in the meantime. She would rather leave the physical activities to the ones more suited for them.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: Well, he certainly seems polite, too! "Well met, Sokka. Well met.." she compliments before realizing that, yes, they're first against another team. "Right. Butt-kicking time. Lets see if we can spike the ball hard enough to make it explode, eh?" Rhaps would then slip out of her coat, hand it off to the closest person that would hold it, and then she'd get into position on the court.

Jinx (39) has posed: Jinx still seems a bit dazed, but manages to swing past th bar to grab a Malted Fruity Beverage before following Toph on her way inside. "Ah, Lute's had that coming to him for ages, from me especially. Call it... payback. Ain't happening again unless he's tryin' to be a homewrecker." She pops the top from the bottle and then looks around the place. "Man this is really damn fancy. Like the Tower back home." That'd be at the Murasame Zaibatsu.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka nodded and got into position. "Okay, let's do this! Eve, I'm expecting big things from you, don't let me down!" he called out. Fortunately for him, he might ACTUALLY do pretty well in this. He has no powers or special abilities. He just has his own body, that he has trained and honed and tested for years. Sports like this without powers? He has a pretty good shot at.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony nods to Alden. "Works for me." He wasn't expecting to win anyway, but if the 'old man' and a 2.5 foot tall doglizard could actually win this, that would be good for some bragging rights. "Just watch the first couple teams play and you'll get the idea," he advises. "Don't let the ball touch the ground on our side of the net. Hit it over, try to get it on the sand on their side."

Eve (857) has posed: Eve fixes Dorian with another look. One that might call him a doorknob, but not one that's actually hostile. "We're teammates." she claims simply. She's not about to abandon him even if she didn't choose him. She gestures towards the volleyball field, saying no more. Maybe she doesn't actually hate him, who knows?

She sets up, getting ready for the first serve. Eve's not actually practiced in such things as volleyball but she's physically-adept and an incredibly quick learner. Having essentially perfect mind-over-body control certainly helps too. She COULD use nanomachine-shifting to make herself even better but she's just not sure enough of how the volleyball will act to make that a good option. Besides, it'd probably be cheating. She can't claim to have beaten Sokka if she uses such dubious techniques to do so.

Kotone Yamakawa has posed:Kotone Yamakawa Says "Thanks Inga, I'll try to make it look good for eveyrone elses's amumsement!"

Yuna's quick to explain how the game works and Kotone seems ready for the game this should be a lot of fun she hears s she ends up with Staren? All right this should be a good dela of fun, Kotone for once is in good spirits a she moves to hook up with Staren to get ready for the match, she's glad she brought a swimsuit of her own, she goes off to change before her match comes up though.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: The inside of Tony's home is indeed fancy, and the house practically screams luxury. As Jinx enters she might become aware of a black cat that comes on over, meowing as he rubs his face against her leg. "Don't mind Buster, he is an attention whore," Toph asides to Jinx. "And heh, he needed a punch. Guess I should have seen that coming since he has sixteen set as the age for when he starts hitting on girls, huh?" Oh well, it's not like she's that scared of him doing anything bad. She's got a boyfriend after all. "And yeah, this is really fancy. I was kinda floored the first time I visited here before Goldie became my supervising officer, really." Up to the nursery they go, and Toph gets started on changing RJ's diaper, making sure to instruct Jinx to stand to the side and not in front of RJ. "Glad you could make it, by the way. You can meet more people that way. And maybe realise not all us Paladins are dirty pigs. Cops. Whatever."

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka was there! And went for the ball, and then... BAM! A flock of seagulls flew over right then and they all got to see as the birds voided their bowls over the guy. Which was enough of a momentary distraction to make him miss the ball, get clocked in the face, then trip over the bird poop.

He laid there for a second, covered in poop and just sighed. The sigh of a man who REALLY should have seen this coming. Like, he didn't even get up. This was his life now. He was just going to lay there for a few days, let them play around him.

"Damn enemy birds."

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:Whatever Yuna might have been planning to say by way of responding to Rarity is forestalled by violence. Against Lute, on the joint parts of Sokka (no real surprise there) and Jinx (ditto). Yuna is distracted for a long moment by staring at Jinx's Star Guardian get-up. When did she become a magical girl ... ?

... oh right, that incident with the transformation artifact, back before the Union and the Confederacy collapsed. At least she seems to be taking to it well.

"I'm a little out of practice," Yuna says a little sheepishly to A-ko as the teams are announced and teammates pair up, "but I'll do my best!" She flexes playfully, and briefly, then turns her attention to the first set. "Go Eve! Good luck, Dorian!" she cheers her friend on, along with Eve's partner.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: WOOSH goes the serve, right toward Sokka, "You got- wha?!" Birds. So many birds. An an ace for the other team. "... What just happened?" Rhapsody looks insanely confused by this occurence.

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian is a little confused, to be honest. Even after as long as he's been in the Multiverse, he's not used to people having neutral opinions of him. Or even 'vague dislike'. Old habits die hard, it seems. But he offers a nod to Eve nonetheless.

He offers a smile to the other team. "I do wish there was something else to wish one when starting a tricky endeavor besides 'good luck'. It implies that luck is needed. I think you'll both do fine without luck." He's being honest here, not taunting.

So the game is going well... right up until Sokka takes a birdie bomb to the everything! Dorian winces. But he does at least TRY to find a bright side. "...In some cultures that's massively good luck, I'm told."

...Yeah no. That probably doesn't help.

But he does look up at whoever's refereeing this. "Can we get a time out on account of droppings of mass destruction?" he asks. Sokka looks like he needs some help...

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka was thrown off his game after that FIRST round. Like, heavily. He did okay, but, really? He was just... not so good. He had to even jump in the ocean.

Then the third point came around and the BIRDS CAME BACK! The last thing he heard was their caw. Then another bomb on him. THERE WAS A YELL OFANGER! Then he just stormed off.

But, really, who could blame him? Who WOULDN'T after THAT?!

Eve (857) has posed: Eve peers at Sokka's absolutely horrific luck. She wants to beat him, but ... well, that's a bit much. She doesn't wish horrible things on him after all. "If anyone's doing that with magic, please stop." she mutters, annoyed. She's going to win on skill alone! That said though, she sets up for more volleyball. She doesn't serve every time however, and it's got to be said she's a whole lot better on defense than on offense. She's quick, but not particularly strong or accurate when it comes to balls. Still it should be enough, with hopefully some good teamwork with her partner. In the end she wins, but ... it's not quite as satisfying as she might have hoped. Still, she won.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: Well the dragon would have done a lot more but you know. BIRDS. At least there was a decent volley back and forth for the second point. "Good game!"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:"...Okay maybe that wasn't such a good example," Tony asides to Alden. "Try doing... everything that Sokka didn't."

Jinx (39) has posed: Buster gets a nice friendly scruffle, as she settles in to watch babywork. And then she seems more than familiar with the baby stuff for some reason. "Don't hold your breath on that one. Cops are cops are cops." She seems less sure about that one, but well, no one's here in uniform with lights and sirens going. "And Lute's a pig and he's going to get everything he deserves." A glance around the place, and the girl twirls one of her long red tails. Something... like anxiety. Her heart rate is picking up. Something really exciting about being in a place like this, somehow?"

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:Meanwhile, A-ko has stripped to her swimsuit, and is taking a few minutes to stretch and warm up before her volleyball match. After that, she cracks her knuckles and smiles, looking to Yuna. "Let's do our best out there, OK?"

Tony Stark (301) has posed:"Sheep rule!" Tony declares as he steps onto his side of the field. Dumb hawks.

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Hopefully after Sokka gets cleaned up, the match can continue. Bird poop on the volleyball is a bad thing, definitely. Of course they come back, and Dorian shakes his head. Poor Sokka. Birds really do not like him, do they? "Not me," Dorian replies, raising his hands to show they're empty. Not that that's a problem, but the gesture is understood, he assumes.

For most of the match, Dorian is mostly setting up the ball so Eve can swat it over the net. For all his bluster and vanity, he's not trying to 'be the star' here. He knows his capabilities and doesn't overreach them. He'll set up, or if it's set up for him, he'll swat it over himself.

But, Eve and he won, even if it was thanks to the birds. "We'll need to try that again where there aren't any marauding seagulls," he says to Sokka.

Alden (930) has posed:Alden follows Tony, "Sheep are great!". he agrees, while Katze continues to watch the games, making videos of everything to post later.

Inga has posed: Inga is well into her second rum drink now. She's not swaying on the barstool or anything, but she's starting to feel it. It would wear off quickly, so she'll have to take advantage of the buzz while she has it.

Grabbing her walking stick, Inga begins to amble down to the beach, avoiding the volleyball match. She cheers them on though. Dorian's doing well. Looks like his teammate didn't expect that. That brings a grin to Inga's face.

Using the match as a distraction, Inga pulls the straps of her dress down and lets it pool around her ankles. Beneath, she's wearing bloomers. Oh yes, with little bit of lace at the knees and all, and a bra-type top. She immediately wades into the water without looking back, praying no one is staring.

Once the water is up to her waist, she dives into the next wave like a fish and surfaces a little ways away, grinning as she swims out past the breaking point of the surf.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka headed into the house to take a long, long shower. Frankly, after that, he deserved it. Seriously, what did the birds have against him? It was the universe, he swore.

Of course, once he was clean, he headed in to see the girls. "How's my favorite girls? You two doing okay?" Now with 99.9 percent less bird poop! "Need any help?" He's touched a lot of poop today, some baby one won't be so bad.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:As if he was just waiting for Sokka to enter the room, RJ giggles and squeals as he twists around and sends a spray of urine tinkling in his direction.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: While her partner heads inside, Rhaps stays outside to watch the other games, and even cheers on the Sheep team. "GO STARK!"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:Yuna does some warm-up stretches as well, possibly including some cooperative stretching with A-ko, and steps into the 'field' with her red-haired partner. "Here we go ... good luck, you two!" she calls it to Tony and Alden before moving to the back line - to the extent that there *are* lines. She's probably better off serving and letting A-ko take the front field ...

Tony Stark (301) has posed:"It's okay Alden, that was a good hit," Tony encourages his midget teammate. At least they didn't run into each other. They seem to have a pretty good spatial awareness, actually. Like they're in sync. However Yuna's amazing serving skills are just too much for them to successfully return the ball.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "Eeeh, Lute will always get what he deserves," Toph comments, wiping RJ's bottom as the baby is happy about having his pants off, kicking his tiny baby feet as he makes some content sounds. "At least we're all having a truce today, so there's that. I won't even kick Lute's ass for kissing me back there, even if he deserves it." When Sokka arrives in the nursery though, the blind teen raises her head a bit. She did hear water running earlier... "Were you just showering?" she asks, arching an eyebrow. "And don't stand the--" Too late. A sigh leaves Toph, and she quickly moves some nappies to intercept the urine. "You... might wanna go shower again, we'll finish up here, okay?"

It doesn't take too long for Toph to finish getting him cleaned up, nor does she have problems putting on a clean diaper and making sure his pants are back on before she heads back outside with Jinx. "Let's grab some food and drinks! The bartender makes various stuff, so get what you want." Once they do get there Toph picks up some food, and sits down in the shade, with RJ resting in her lap so she can observe the contest going on.

Alden (930) has posed: Alden was giving it his best, he was trying to get his mind in the game, running and trying to hit the ball as quickly as he can... unfortunately,a tiny chubby lizarddog form proves not to be the best at quick sports, at least he does not slam into Tony!, or trip or something too humilliating... yet.

Eve (857) has posed: Eve's pretty animated on the sidelines. Not cheering aloud, but her body language is audible enough for those who look. She twitches and nearly bounces in excitement when Yuna makes a good play, wincing when she's in trouble. She's not the most expressive of cheerleaders but Eve does wear her heart on her sleeve.

Jinx (39) has posed: Well Jinx already has a beverage, and she swigs from the Beverage with a bit of a grin as she watches the last of the mess with the baby and well. The smile flickers for a second before plastering itself back on her face as Sokka comes in. "Hey nerd! Did you win out there? Or not? I wasn't paying attention." Though Sokka does get a little bit of pointing and laughing at his predicament.

Back outside though, the Erstwhile Magical girl snags a big veggie skewer to go with her Beverage, plopping down to watch everything going on. It's a few long moments of quiet as she Thinks. It's hard and painful. "...Thanks."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: Once again Jarvis speaks up once the match is over, "Team Hyper Hawks win. Next match will be Team Scary Squirrels versus Cuddly Cobras. Miss Rhapsody, Mister Sokka... be prepared to meet Miss Yamakawa and Mister Staren in the arena, please."

Rhapsody (325) has posed: Welp, after that game is done, it seems Rhapsody and Sokka are up again, "Alright!" Back onto the court she goes.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: The 'thanks' from Jinx does make Toph arch an eyebrow. Though she's a bit quiet before she responds quietly. "... thanks for not blowing stuff up. And for joining the fun. So... does sound like they're having fun down there."

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka just sighs. Baby piss as...

And then Jinx pointed and laughed. He quickly turned and walked off. It... was definitely not the right move and he ended up staying in the showers a lot longer than was to be expected. By the time he finally came out, he went straight to the bar and it would be fairly obvious to Toph that he was, indeed, sulking. On her birthday, no less! What a jerk. He'd order something mildly alcoholic(water tribe related too, if they had it.)

And then he gets called down first. "Oh by the... please no, not again," he mumbled, groaning.

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:That first serve was a beauty, and it's a memory which Yuna will treasure for a long while. She doesn't carry the game on her own, though, and Yuna is glad to shake hands with both Tony and Alden after the round is concluded.

Maybe she ought to work out how to adapt volleyball for ponies and other non-bipeds? Rarity certainly sounded somewhat interested ... and Alden is doing his best. So is Rhapsody, for that matter.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:A-ko smiles as Yuna performs a great game of volleyball, and at the end, she goes over to give Yuna a big hug (but not too big, she doesn't want to crush her!) Then she walks off with a big smile on her face.

Alden (930) has posed: Alden tries!, he does his best, he is sure they can turn this around!.... that they can win?.... maybe just not end at a zero score?. It's the final play, and he tries to stop the ball from scoring the final point of the game!, he dives after it!... he miscalculates and misses... only for the ball to hit on his horn, impaling it!. "Does this count as missing?".

Inga has posed: Oblivious to the rest of the world now, Inga has laid back in the water and is floating over the rolling waves with relative ease, completely relaxed.

She's alive, right?

Probably just drunk.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony laughs and almost hauls Alden to his feet by grabbing the back of his pelt, but switches his aim at the last moment to just give him a hand up. "Hey, you hit it, man, I think it should count as a save."

Safely disqualified now, he saunters over to sit near Toph at the sidelines.

"Ba!" says RJ, making grabby motions with his chubby fists.

"That's right, buddy," Tony agrees. "Sheep rule."

Jinx (39) has posed: It's hard to Tsun while your hands are full, but Jinx turns it back on at the last moment in order to Prevent Feelings. "Yeah, well it's a nice party and you're... and okay person, so it's... it's natural that I'd come here. I mean, I'm not on the job or anything so I'm not... blowing up the house, you know?" She takes a bite of her kabob and watches the proceedings, trying to formulate ideas in her head on how not to screw this up.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: "WHY BIRDS, WHY?!" One round Sokka gets attacked, one round Rhapsody gets attacked, and then out of anger she manages to get a really good spike! "Eh, at least we got a point that time. Good game, all."

Alden (930) has posed:Alden accepts Tony's hand and slowly gets up, moving outside, following his Team mate, "Thank you... i feel a bit silly." he says, chuckling a bit himself, waving to the baby.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka headed out, and sure enough... within a few minutes, he is peppered with bird poop. Like, it's not even a small splattering this time. There's like a whole flock of them up there, just swirling about and unleashing on him.

What in the world was going on?!

And then Sokka just stormed off, letting Rhapsody do the rest herself. Because, frankly, he was going to be in the shower for like an hour and have the MOTHER of all Sulks. Like, at that point his cope was in the negatives. He didn't even say good game or anything, his mood sufficiently obliterated.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: For her part, Rhapsody just dunks herself in the ocean for a little bit. Still, she thinks maybe going to reassure her partner wouldn't hurt. . . . . Eh. Let him come back out first. Or maybe...

Staren has posed: Staren plays to win, because exercising mastery and overcoming challenges is how you enjoy games, right?

He shows no mercy, staying close to the net and spiking whenever he has a chance.

When the round is over, though, he watches Sokka go with concern. "You alright, man?"

Maybe they should have invented something to keep seagulls away...

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian had been being lazy at the bar while the other matches were going on. And he'd noticed those birds. "Violent little bastards," he mutters. As his team's called back to the arena, Dorian says firmly, "If I see a bird within 'drop' distance of me, it's getting barbequed the hard way." He will go back though. Can't let Eve down. Figures nature would be their worst enemy while trying to play outside.

Rarity (136) has posed:By now Rarity is watching the games while the CMC are playing on the beach.

And by watching, I mean she's actually sunbathing on one of the beach chairs. Which might be watching still, but she's just as likely to just be zoned out entirely while she's relaxing.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "Hey, Sokka...!" Toph calls as Sokka storms on by, just sighing. But she can't exactly leave RJ alone either as Tony has to get into the arena, and she rolls her eyes as Tony murmurs to her. "As sure as you're an asshole, dad," she asides and punches him in the arm a bit.

Eve (857) has posed: Eve sets her sights this match. Tony Stark isn't her enemy. She likes him well enough, given he's the one who is raising Toph. Then again he's also the one responsible for her unseemly ego. Well, possibly. It's also possible she MAY have had an ego before meeting Tony... as hard as that might be to imagine.

Regardless, Eve plays to win. She's still no master, but she shows perhaps startling improvement over the previous round, no longer relying on the bad luck or bad judgment of her opponents to make scores. She also plays a good team game, setting Dorian up or receiving a set-up equally well. It's not enough to win every point, but she's still pleased at her accomplishment given... well, given that this isn't really the sort of thing she'd expected. It WAS fun though.

As the match ends, Eve brushes sand off herself and approaches Dorian. "You were a good partner." she says, stoically raising a hand for a traditional volleyball maneuver. The famous high five. Or in her case, medium five.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: As for Jinx's comments, Toph moves RJ a bit in her lap as she listens to the older girl talk. "I do consider myself an okay person, yeah... and I'm sure dad is thankful you're not blowing up his fancy house. Not that we don't have anywhere else to go, but it's home, you know?" Toph shrugs, letting RJ suck on her sleeve.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony actually feels a bit better as the second match starts. He actually picks up Alden and hoists him up to spike the ball after setting it high for him. And it gets them a point!

But he's not in the suit, and Alden is heavier than he looks. Or at least he feels heavier than he ought too. Or maybe he really is getting old. He's clearly out of breath on the next two volleys and although Alden miraculously sets him up a beautiful shot, his spike clips the net and sets the stage for an easy winning point by the Giraffes. "Okay I need a drink," he pants, and makes his way to the bar for another beer. Look, he usually does his superheroing in a suit of armor, ok?

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "A good try, Sir," Jarvis intones to Tony. "The next match is The Hyper Hawks versus The Scary Squirrels."

Alden (930) has posed: Alden starts the game kind of...badly, or rather, seems to keep a similar pace as before, watching Tony zoom around and apparently making up for his own lack of experience in the game!. He even gets assisted by Tony to spike the ball!. He honestly does not blame his partner for the game, he still feels it's his fault things went as bad as they did. He follows his team mate to the bar, even if he just gets water, "Thanks for hoisting me for that spike." he says. Perhaps he should have asked if he was allowed to digivolve before the game, no special powers, just tall wolfman!. Maybe next time.

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian was right to be wary. The second round those birds decide to come and try their luck again. Dorian's response to seeing them overhead? He reaches a hand up and emits a gout of flame from that hand. This incinerates the 'bomb' on the way down, as well as the offending 'bomber'.

Unfortunately it also distracts him from the game, so immediately afterwards he takes a volleyball to the face. Karma! He stumbles back and falls onto his rear. "Ouch," he comments, rubbing his nose. And further karma? The barbequed bird lands on his head. Fortunately it just bounces off. But it's still five pounds of bird. "Agh!" He raises his hands to cover his head. "All right, this is a bit ridiculous."

However, he manages to recover, despite the embarrassment. Enough to win! He returns that high-five from Eve, with a grin. "You as well," he returns with a smile.

As for their opponents? "Good game, both of you!" See, he can be sporting!

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:"Here we go again," Yuna says idly, swinging her arms back and forth a little to loosen back up as she sets foot once more onto the field of battle. Or of volleyball, as the case may be. "Kotone, Staren, do your best, because A-ko and I aren't holding back!"

.... Much, she doesn't add.

Jinx (39) has posed: Jinx's grin manages to stay there. "Yeah well, I don't start fights like this. Not how you're supposed to do stuff. Hospitality and all that. I mean, if I invited you over to the Zaibatsu... well I wouldn't shoot up the Zaibatsu anyways so." The skinny girl waves to Tony as he wanders over. "Ahoy, nerdlord."

Tony Stark (301) has posed:"That was a good play, huh," Tony grins at Alden. "I just hope Toph thinks it was worth it when I have a heart attack later."

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:A-ko does some light warming up as well, before heading into the playing area again. "Time to show them what we got, Yuna!" She grins widely as she says this.

Inga has posed: Inga wanders out of the water again, wishing she'd brought a towel. That was a bit of an oversight.

She's just in time for the end of the contest though, judging by all the cheering.

Then she sniffs the air, blinking. "Why does it smell like burnt seagull over here?"

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian's heading away from the arena as Inga nears the group again, and happens to catch her question. He kicks the charred remains out of the arena so it won't intefere with anyone's game, before he notes, "That's why. The gulls are having a grand old time using the volleyball players as targets, and generally making a nuisance of themselves." He reaches down and picks up the bird, finding a receptacle to discard it in. "This one thought my head was a good place for its... 'payload', so I answered in the best way I know how."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: Well, at least the mornings in Malibu will be a bit quieter with some of the local sea gulls culled.

As the matches go underway and Jarvis taking control to keep score and all, Toph suddenly gets up from her seat and heads on over to the gift table. "Time to open up the gifts!" she declares, still carrying RJ with her. Tony does need a breather, after all. So she'll begin opening the gifts with one arm, using her bending to do so, keeping a good grip on RJ so she doesn't drop him.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka finally comes out, his arms crossed and... still sulking a bit. Also, making sure to keep under cover. He actually dives for it when he hears the caw caw of a bird up above.

But hey, Toph was opening her gifts. There was NO WAY he was missing that.

Inga has posed: Inga, momentarily forgetting how soggy and unclothed she is, looks to the dead bird and then Dorian. She shrugs. "Seagulls are assholes. And they don't even taste good," she informs him, tossing a very wet braid over her shoulder.

"So, did you win then?"

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: "I believe so," Dorian answers, to Inga's question about the outcome of the matches. "Though I believe they're still ongoing." Then he notes, "Oh, Toph's opening her gifts." He offers his arm to Inga escort style, not seeming to mind her soddenness one bit. "Shall we?" he offers.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:RJ squirms and tries to grab the shiny wrapping paper so he can put it in his mouth.

Tony, restored to health by a fresh beer, comes up behind her and offers, "Sure you don't want me to take him? You may need both hands for some of those presents."

"Ba!" the baby agrees happily.

Inga has posed: Inga picks up her dress from the sand, gives it a shake, then yanks it over her head before accepting the offered arm. She appreciates it, shifty sand is bloody difficult to walk on. "I think she's already figured out half of my gift by the scent," Inga says with a small smile.

Harry Dresden (206) has posed: There's a ripple in the air near the bar, like someone ripping a hole in space and time. A blast of fragrant floral notes, and then Harry Dresden steps sort of sideways out of the rip to the Never Never. He's dressed in a long hawaiian shirt and baggiepants, and is carrying a rune-carved hockey stick and a parcel of boxes. "Hey! Sorry I'm late! Dorian, get your hands off my girl!"

He doesn't actually sound mad, but it /is/ Harry Dresden.

Alden (930) has posed: Alden seems in good spirits after the game, and gets rather curious about the gifts too, so he approaches to get a better view, tail twitching.

Rarity (136) has posed:Rarity glances up when Toph heads for the present table. "Hold on a minute, dahling." The unicorn sits up, and magics a whistle from somewhere to blow on. FWWWWWWWWT. "Sweetie Belle, bring the girls back up from the beach! Toph is about to open the presents!" She knows they're going to want to be here for it. "Give them a moment before you open ours, dahling. Wouldn't want them to miss it."

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Dorian hears the call of his name and chuckles. "Terribly sorry," he offers. "I thought I'd keep her company until you arrived. If it makes you feel any better, I've been a perfect gentleman." A look at Inga. "Haven't I?" He does, however, make to pull his arm back, just in case Harry's actually upset. One of these days he'll have to let Harry know -- well, both of them, really -- that that... well, Inga's not really his 'type', in a very specific way...

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "When Tony offers to take RJ, Toph does nod and hand him over, and Jarvis takes this into consideration as he decides the next match. "Team Hyper Hawks, stay in the round to face Team Cuddly Cobras."

Toph does begin opening one of the presents first.. which happens to be Lute's. As she opens it and realises what's inside, she can't help but frown a bit. "Hey, you already got me one of those," she says, arching an eyebrow. Well, she can always donate it to the museum again... right? Next she opens Dorian's, and as always minerals is a sure way to make the blind teenager happy. "Thanks!" Likewise does Rhapsody's mizzium bar catch her attention as she begins bending it.And she does wait a bit for the pony's to walk up to the present table before she begins opening that one. She has time to open all of the gifts at least.

Inga has posed: Inga looks over toward Harry, blinking. She wrinkles her nose at him, as if she's resisting the urge to stick out her tongue. "Tch, that is what you get for being so late," she scolds.

She is pleased that Harry is there, though, obviously. She'll have to drag him for a swim after Toph opens her gifts. "Well, come on. Toph is just about to open her presents, better add yours to the pile," she says to Harry, taking him by his arm with her other arm. She'll stroll between two men and make it look perfectly reasonable. "And Dorian is always a perfect gentleman," she adds.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony hoists his son in his arms and immediately starts making goo-goo talk to him that would be mortifyingly embarrassing if he seemed to give even half a shit what anyone thinks of him with regard to this particular aspect of his life. RJ squeals in delight and braces his hands against Tony's face, mushing a bit of chewed wrapping paper into his cheek.

Harry Dresden (206) has posed: Harry grins a bit at both Dorian and Inga, and helpfully provides Inga with his Hockey Stick as a cane. It even helpfully lights up the runes as the Chosen grabs at it. "Yeah yeah, love you too." He kisses Inga on the cheek, and then hoists himself thorugh the crowd, using Tall Man Privalge to get to where he needs to go. That being exactly where he needs to be, over at the gifts table and also at the bar.

Well, the bar and Tony and RJ. "Heya, pal. Nice seeing you again." He bumps Tony on the shoulder and then leans down to make a face at RJ. "Little squirt got his mother's looks, I see. That's a relief."

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: "Well, not always," Dorian admits, to Inga's mention of him being a gentleman. "I have my bastard moments. But I do try to be a gentleman the majority of the time." Then he asks of Harry as he heads over to the bar as well, "How are you doing?"

Harry Dresden (206) has posed: Harry ruffles the baby's head with a big hand. "Yeah well, can't win the genetic lottery all the time."

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: Music is something Toph does enjoy, so Yuna's gift does make Toph smile despite it not being earth or metal samples. "Huh... neat, where did you find a music player with Braille?" Toph asks Yuna. There are some gifts from people who aren't here, but she will open those later and focus on opening the gifts from the people who are here now. When she opens the bag that Jinx brought she looks a bit curious... Instant Soup Cups? And some strange firework thingies, spray prant... and a Braille note that Toph begins reading with an intent look on her face. Though she does become aware of Jinx suddenly... not being there. Where did she go to? Maybe she will have to check out stuff on the radio later once she has the time to do so.

Rarity (136) has posed:It's hard to miss when the trio of fillies arrive back at the main party... Considering they come tumbling over each other they're in such a hurry, Applebloom tripping while trying to kick a pail off her back hoof and crashing into the other two, the pail ended up on Sweetie's head, and Rarity barely stepping out of the way in time for them to go skidding past. She just sighs softly, and goes into 'big sister' mod, picking up all thee with her magic, setting them down on one of the beach chairs, and tugging off the pail from Sweetie's head.

The Ponies' present is rather large, but not very heavy. Once she starts getting off the wrapping paper Toph would be able to tell why. Especially when it feels a bit familiar. Because it is not unlike the badgermole plsuhie she had Rarity make for RJ.

Except rather than a plushie this one is a badgermole shaped beanbag.

Inga has posed: Inga smiles warmly to Harry. She wasn't actually angry with him to begin with, just teasing.

She'll follow over to Tony and RJ. She hasn't met the little one yet! "Tony, good to see you...and this must be the babe. May I hold him?" she asks. Her expression suggests she is /so/ ready to fawn over the baby. She's a little soggy from her swim and smells like seawater, but hopefully that will not be a problem. "Hello little one," she coo's.

To Dorian, she laughs. "Oh, is that so? Well you've always been a gentleman to me and that is what's important," she says with a smile.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony grins. "Didn't get enough fish pee on you, need some from him too huh?" It's Inga, and he trusts her, so he nods and carefully transfers baby Robert into her eager arms. The small human-spawn stares up at her in solemn awe. It's not often he gets held by someone outside the immediate family, but he seems cool with it. "Ba," he says.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: "It appears that Team Hyper Hawks are on a winning streak," Jarvis announces after the next match is done. "Will Team Snuggly Sheep please enter the ring and fight Team Cuddly Cobras next?" Now that should be a treat, Alden and Tony versus Rhapsody and Sokka. Those two teams haven't won yet.

With the ponies all present at the table Toph begins opening the large gift from them, and she looks a bit curious at the shape. It's not metal or earth, so she can't tell what it is at first. So she looks a bit curious as she touches it. "What /is/ it? I can't really tell... is it a large badgermole plushie?" she asks, looking a bit hopeful. She does kindaaa recognise the face from the plushie that is currently in RJ's nursery.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:It turns out to be just as well Inga wanted to hold the baby as Tony finds himself called back to the volleyball court. Faced with Sokka as one of his opponents... he actually feels like he ought to go easy on the kid. At least that's how he'll tell the story.

Alden (930) has posed:Alden stretches a bit, from his chat with KAtze, trying to convince Katze not to keep the vide with the... volleyball speared on his head, when he is called to the field!. He rushes to meet up with Tony, looking confident!, or trying to.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka did a half hearted round against the hawks. He, well... he was still kind of out of it. He didn't want to leave his team mate high and dry, though, so he at least TRIED. Failed, but tried.

Then his future father in law. Ah. Crud. And the best mount ever.

He actually gives it his all this time and...

Actually, he does fairly well. He's in peak physical condition, he's used to using his body, he has no powers to depend on. Frankly, he has a huge edge in this kind of thing if for no other reason than it's the only thing he CAN do.

And still gets his butt kicked after diving for a point and missing. Gosh. Darn. Mother...

Inga has posed: Inga takes the baby, sure to support him properly. She bounces gently with him, shifting her weight from one foot to the other as she looks down at him, smiling gently. "Hello Robert. I think I rather like that name. It suits you. Oh...and what a journey you have ahead of you!" she says softly.

Inga is good with babies. She's been the first face many children have seen when they first came into the world. "Daddy has gone to go hit a ball over a net. Not very exciting of a game if you ask me," she comments.

Inga looks back to Harry and Dorian. She gives Harry a look, then sends him to get her another drink. More of the coconut stuff, please!

Rarity (136) has posed:Rarity laughs slightly. "It is a similar beanbag, yes. It's not quite lifesized, but definately large enough to be slept on... Oh, I should of sprinkled some dirt on it so you can 'see' it better, shouldn't I. Oh bother."

Staren has posed: Staren tries, but victory does not favor Team Scary Syber Squirrel this time! "Ah well. Maybe we can have a rematch later." He grins, and offers his opponents, and Kotone, handshakes. "Good game!"

Kotone Yamakawa has posed:Kotone Yamakawa has just been having fun with the math she doesn't relaly care about winning or losing she's just been having fun in the sand getting to do something utterly normal for all intendt and sh. She's enjoyin it and she looks over to Staren grinning as she moves ot shake Staren's hand, then she will offer her hand to her oppenets as well.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony, to his surprise, finds himself actually rather enjoying this matchup. Alden seems to be hitting his stride now that he has a couple of games under his belt, and they're able to pull off some nice smooth combos. Tony grins fiercely whenever he finds himself facing Sokka across the net -- of course he enjoys the competition with Rhapsody as well but, well, Sokka is dating his daughter. Still, he's surprised when they actually get to three points first. "Nice!" he congratulates his teammate, holding out a hand for as high a five as Alden can reach.

Rhapsody (325) has posed: It's nice to have a chance to go against Stark in some friendly compeition! They may not win, but hey, it's a good round and there's no birds. BONUS. "Good stuff!"

Eve (857) has posed: Eve doesn't really want to destroy Yuna, even in a friendly competition, but this is also a chance to prove her ability right? She could convince Yuna that she's a worthy partner for battle and... well, it's just a game. She plays hard and well, but she doesn't seem too enthused about it!

Alden (930) has posed: He is a bit surprised the game went as well as it did!, congratulating Tony with that high five, jumping quite high!, tail a blur, before smiling to the other team, "Great game!"

Staren has posed: So, present time! There's... the tent. Staren explains as he leads Toph towards it. "So, this is a group present from... well, it was Sokka's idea, so this is a group present from him, me, and Tony! Come on in, everyone! Er... well maybe it's a bit cramped to get /everyone/ into the tent, but those who want to see..."

Staren unzips the door and leads in. The tent is mainly to keep sand from blowing in, there's some mesh to let air through so it doesn't get stupid hot inside.

The floor is the rock platform he asked Toph to make. And in the center of that platform is a box of plastic and metal. About 2 1/2 by 2 feet across, and several inches thick. Inside the plastic frame are a grid of little metal squares two or three hundred across. Staren looks at Sokka expectantly. It's his idea, he gets to explain the pitch.

------------------------------

Once Sokka finishes speaking, the box... turns on. And those squares turn out to be more like square pegs or rods as they shift up and down. The elevated pegs spell out TETRIS and PRESS START in pixelly letters, and Staren hands Toph a controller. "So, uh, these blocks 'fall' from the 'top' there, towards you." he points at the screen. "You can move and rotate them with the controller, and you want to form lines and stop them from piling up to the 'top' of the screen. There's other games too, but we thought this was a good classic to lead off with."

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka grinned and, once inside, pointed. "Well, Toph. You know how you've been playing games with Tony and... well, less playing, more making comments? I talked with Staren and Tony about setting up some kind of output system you could see with your metal bending. Tony has been working on the software, Staren has been working on the hardware, and I've been... well, doing whatever they need me too. They're the brains of it." He'd show her how to put her feet on it, then tap the controller. "Best part? Multiplayer. So you can hook it up to tv for us normal people, while still playing on your console, so we can all play games together and you can trash talk us WHILE kicking our butts. Sound fun?"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: Another match is done, and it's clear, "Team Gangly Giraffe wins. It's rather close between the leading teams. Team Scary Squirrel and Team Snuggly Sheep, if you would please enter the arena."

After graciously accepting the beanbag from the ponies, Toph can't help but grin a bit. "I doubt mom would approve of the dirt, though." The gift from Tony, Staren and Sokka however does seem to need Toph's attention, and she blinks as Staren explains matters. Huh? This is kinda weird... It's kinda large, isn't it? But she does listen to Sokka. Yeah, she's been amused by listening to Tony play those shooting games and then having fun trash talking all the guys on the game. Mostly because it's hilarious when they play against some guy calling himself Iron Man and speaking with a girly voice. "Wait, you... actually got me a game that I can /play/?" she asks, looking amazed where she stands. Okay, she doesn't understand exactly how it works yet, but does that really matter. There's no hiding that smile, and she moves in close to give Sokka a /tight/ hug, and then she hugs Staren and Tony too. "Thanks guys! I gotta try it out tomorrow! Now get your asses into that arena!" She will inspect this game thing a bit better in the meanwhile.

Staren has posed: Staren smiles and hugs back, patting her on the back again. He's glad to see her happy, and eager to finally see the device played by its actual target audience... "Wait what? Arena?" He's off to... that, while Toph tries to figure out the game.

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka got the big hug, and blushed. "Eh heh. Well... it was worth it just to see you so happy. You deserve it, Toph." See? Maybe he wasn't such a BAD BOY FRIEND AFTER ALL! Bird poop or no. "GAHHH!" And threw out the boomerang to hit a seagull that dared to approach. "BAD! BAD SEA GULL!" he yelled.

Tony Stark (301) has posed:"It's a prototype," Tony cautions, after returning from his last game and redeeming himself, at least somewhat. The old man and the little doglizard won two of their matches after all! "We'll need input from you to improve the interface." He wasn't really sure how well Toph would be able to translate the three dimensional 'images' she sees with her feet to a 2D bas-relief, but they have a start here.

He twists his head around to catch a glimpse of Inga and make sure she hasn't run off with his child.

Inga has posed: Inga is just sitting with the child, and now that no one is paying her any mind, she simply looks a bit sad.

No running off though, as if she could.

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: After some more matches, it's clear that there are some teams who are indeed superior. Perhaps the sea gulls are to blame, or some players being less lucky. But in the end, after gifts have been handled and Jarvis informs Toph about the results, the blind birthday girl claps her hands. "OKAY GUYS! You did very well, and you're all getting prizes! It's kinda the deal with birthday parties here in Malibu, we Starks just want you guys to have fun!" Sure, she might not have taken the Stark name, but Toph seems to have taken some cues from Tony who loves handing out stuff on his birthdays. So why not do that?

"Team Gangly Giraffe wins the grand prize! Step on forward!" Eve and Dorian will get a large box each... and inside they will both get... a Nintendo Switch package, with limited edition games inside. People do seem to be rather crazy about these gaming consoles, after all. There's also a gift card inside for TVs that they can pick up, all so they can play the games in their own homes. If Dorian has electricity, that is.

"Second place... Team Hyper Hawk!" A-ko and Yuna both get a gaming console each, a Nintendo 3DS with five games for each. That ought to be enough games to last for a while!

"Third place... Team Snuggly Sheep!" Alden gets a large gift card for one of the nearby malls in Malibu, good for any store around there. And Tony? He gets a Braille note that he gets to read. It certainly doesn't look like a gift card...

"Fourth and fifth place, Team Scary Squirrels and Team Cuddly Cobras... you all get gift cards too." Though as she hands out the gift, Toph does give Sokka a peck on the cheek... before she punches him in the arm. "Damn birds, am I right?"

Rhapsody (325) has posed: It was a rough night, but it was a game and it was fun, either way. "I had a good time, despite the stupid birds! Maybe next time Jarvis can do something to protet us from them, or something, right Sokka?" Seems that the Guildmaster's views on Sokka have changed drastically from what she got from the radio.

Alden (930) has posed: The 'doglizard' is rather happy, he won a couple games!... well, Tony won with his help most likely. He grabs the gift card and smiles, "Thanks!" he says, pondering what he might get with the card, admiring the other prizes and smiling, "Those are great prizes." he says softly, moving towards Toph, great game.

Dorian Pavus (774) has posed: Thankfully Dorian's been staying in a more modern place of late. He needs electricity to investigate what's going on with the games in that one world. So there should be some way for him to use his prize. Seems the Multiverse is going to turn him into some degree of gamer yet! "Thank you," he offers to Toph as he accepts the prize. And to Eve? "Also thank you, because you were a very good teammate." And the effort was half hers too!

Tony Stark (301) has posed:Tony decides he'd better rescue Inga, and after giving Toph a teasing hair-ruffle -- she'll never be too old for that -- he heads back over to her, running his fingers bemusedly over the card. His Braille isn't good enough to read it quickly; he'll need a few minutes to sit and puzzle it out. "He's not giving you any crap, is he?" he asks, as he sits down next to her and tries not to be too obvious about the way his joints pop as he does so. "Kid's a real back-talker."

Sokka (1076) has posed:Sokka blinks and gets a kiss. He then shrugs and gives Rhapsody his prize. "I'm dating the judge and all, probably shouldn't get a prize anyway. And toph's mine." Then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Err, Toph. "I hate these birds. Every. Last. One of them." Then... glanced to Jinx. "Heyyyy... jinx, how are you at extermination? Of seagulls, at least? I--" Then his phone rang. He paused and... "I, err, i'll be back soon."

Also, he does have another present to give, personally, aside from the group effort: The box on the table turns out to contain... a rock. Large enough to be held comfortably with two hands if you're strong. It's strange in the way its edges are rough and uneroded, though, and its composition might be strange... "This is a rock from the moon! Well, /a/ moon. I thought it might be interesting to compare to the rocks you're used to. Be careful of the moondust though -- it's worse than sand at getting into everything!"

Inga has posed: Inga smiles to Tony, shaking her head. "He's lovely. Indeed, he is quite asleep," she informs him. The bundle of baby seems content, but Inga will pass him back if Tony is eager. "I'm happy enough to hold him while he sleeps if you have something else you need to do," she says. She wants more baby snuggles, but she'll give him back if his daddy wants him.

She ignores the knee popping. She's no one to tease in that regard.

A-ko Magami (434) has posed:A 3DS with five games? Cool!

A-ko gives Toph a hug then looks to Yuna. "Once we get these set up, we should swap Friend Codes, OK?" She chuckles. "I feel like my younger self on Christmas morning!"

Toph Beifong (20) has posed: The hair-ruffle is accepted, as Tony is among the few who Toph lets get away with it. Even if she's kinda too old for it now. Instead she calls on over to Tony and Inga, "He'd better not be having any crap left to push out now after all that he left in his diaper not long ago!"

Dorian earns a nod when he accepts his gift, and she grins. "Go save the digital worlds, hero. Some people say that game is pretty fun. And with lots of pretty colours."

Sokka gets leaned into, and she lets Sokka kiss her cheek in return. "I doubt people would like it if you killed off all the birds though..." she points out before Sokka heads off to answer his phone.

It /is/ nice to see people happy about their gifts, and she grins when she hugs A-ko back. "You guys really played well out there! Hope you had fun!"

Yuna Kagurazaka (385) has posed:"Friend whats?" Yuna asks quizzically. She smiles at seeing what she's been given, though, and Toph's likely to get another hug for her trouble. "Thank you! I'm looking forward to trying it out when I get home! Hee, this is going to be so retro to a lot of my friends back on Fraulein Earth ..."

Kotone Yamakawa has posed:Kotone Yamakawa accepts the gift cards with a grin. "I wasn't expecting to get something thank you Toph!"

She's beaming and in a veyr good mood she's then laughs about the birds for a moment. "Yes they seem to be out in force. There's an old man where I live always calls them shit hawks. I think I see why now."